Why holistic Healthcare is an Integral Part of any Nursing Curriculum
We live in an age where people are more connected than ever, and healthcare is rising to meet the increasing demands of modern lives. However, with new technology and approaches come new challenges, one of which is the need to integrate holistic care into everyday medical practice.
The field of nursing has long been at the forefront of promoting holistic healthcare practices. Nevertheless, with changes in educational requirements, it’s more important than ever to integrate holistic principles into nursing education and training programs.
Holistic nursing education programs aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote patient health and healing. To effectively connect these ideas with patient care, nurses pursuing holistic nursing must develop an awareness and appreciation for all aspects of life.
Understanding Holistic Healthcare
Healthcare should not only focus on curing diseases but also on preventing and relieving pain. Holistic healthcare is based on the belief that your emotional and spiritual well-being are just as important as your physical health.
This care focuses on treating the whole person, not just their symptoms or illness. It views the body as an interconnected system, with each organ and system working together to keep you healthy.
With holistic healthcare, nurses work with other healers, such as doctors, and therapists, who have specialized knowledge in their specific area of expertise. As a nurse, you must receive proper training in holistic nursing to provide better care for patients who may need this type of treatment.
You may pursue online DNP programs offered by reputable universities such as Baylor University. These programs will allow you to develop as a holistic nurse and broaden your skills in advanced leadership. They provide a great opportunity to advance your career and ensure you provide the best patient care possible.
Benefits of a Holistic Nursing Education
Nursing students today are often taught that healthcare should focus on the physical aspects of healing, and this may result in some nurses neglecting the holistic health of their patients.
Holistic nursing incorporates the body, mind, and spirit, along with the patient’s physical needs, to treat them effectively. Here are some benefits of holistic nursing in any nursing curriculum.
Developing Empathy and Compassion
A holistic nursing education develops empathy and compassion for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Nurses learn to take care of themselves so they can better take care of their patients.
They are taught about the need for self-care for their mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, social and occupational well-being. As nurses, we know how hard it is to provide patient care when we feel overwhelmed or drained.
It is easy to forget how important self-care is when caring for another person. Learning more about holistic health as part of an undergraduate program teaches nurses how important these wellness practices are to provide the best patient care possible.
Improving Communication Skills
In any profession, communication skills are essential, and nurses are no exception. To provide the best patient care, nurses must communicate well with their patients and other healthcare professionals.
A holistic nursing education includes training in interpersonal communication skills, which will help nurses foster stronger relationships with their patients and other staff members they work with on a regular basis.
For example, a nurse who has just learned about her patient’s diagnosis might want to focus on listening empathically rather than asking questions that could make the patient uncomfortable.
A holistic nursing curriculum will also teach how non-verbal cues such as body language can influence the interactions between patients and nurses. This approach teaches nurses how to recognize when someone is disengaged from a conversation or wants them to leave so they can have some privacy.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
To provide quality healthcare, nurses must create a safe and supportive environment. You can achieve this by consistently evaluating patients’ safety and supporting their family and friends.
For example, when a person is recovering from surgery or has an illness that affects their mental state, it is crucial for them to feel like they are in a comfortable environment.
Nurses should always keep their personal opinions and biases out of the equation when caring for people with disabilities. They should also educate themselves on the cultural values of their patient population to better understand their needs.
It is also essential to assess a particular patient’s cultural needs before making assumptions about how they would prefer to receive care.
Promoting Health and Wellness
Holistic healthcare focuses on the body, mind, and spirit to promote health and wellness. Practicing holistic nursing enables nurses to care for patients in ways that are tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
Nurses in holistic nursing can educate patients about their illnesses and help them cope with their treatment. For example, many cancer patients may be experiencing nausea due to chemotherapy treatments. Nurses could recommend complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or acupressure massage therapy. This will result in more well-rounded patient outcomes and satisfaction.
A holistic nurse will also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nutritionists, therapists, and doctors, to create customized plans for each patient.
Nurses can combine evidence-based research with their understanding of the human experience to determine the best program for each patient’s needs.
Promotes Sustainable Practice
A holistic nursing education promotes the philosophy that health is not just the absence of disease but must be nurtured in all aspects. This includes caring for one’s mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual needs. It promotes sustainable practice and encourages nurses to consider their well-being and the environment when making decisions about their work.
Healthy lifestyle habits such as mindful eating, relaxation techniques, time management skills and stress management strategies are common topics in these programs.
Final Thoughts
Holistic healthcare service is paramount in modern society, and as nurses, we must provide the best care possible. A holistic nursing education will equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills to become an invaluable healthcare team member.
Not only will you be able to help people on a physical level, but you can also enhance their health on an emotional and spiritual level. With a holistic approach, nurses can better meet their patients’ physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs.
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